More than a million people across Africa
are facing hunger, hardship and homelessness as a result of catastrophic
flooding that is sweeping across the continent, according to the Red Cross
which is appealing for funds to deal with the crisis.

Emergency funds have already been provided
by the Irish Red Cross to help pay for disease prevention and hygiene promotion
efforts as the risk of disease is growing due to large quantities of dirty
water in areas where people and livestock are struggling to survive..

David Andrews, Chairman of the Irish
Red Cross outlined the three priorities.